We run our company using a set of principles, which we have collectively developed over the years. We review them regularly, and sometimes find better ways to express our thinking.
Enjoy the journey
What we are doing is important, but it is not more important than your health and happiness. If you are tired or stressed, ask for help.
Be guides, not sages
We make the world a better place by facilitating others. We must transcend our egos so that we can be the guides by the sides, not the sages on the stage.
Work on good projects with good people
We work with people who make us laugh and whom we respect. It is fine to say no to projects that don’t fit, and no one should ever work with someone they feel uncomfortable being with.
Focus on creativity
Employ it in our engagements, develop it in our clients and participants, and take every opportunity to strengthen it in ourselves. Every interaction is an opportunity to encourage creativity in ourselves and others.
Variety matters
Science is open to all, but that doesn’t mean everyone gets involved. Given that many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from the interaction between different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences, it is absolutely essential that we continually recruit new and different perspectives, both at our events, and within our organization. In fact, as a company that’s founded on the principles of creativity, it is doubly important that you bring your whole self to work. We need all of you, even the strange bit that gets excited about 19th Century pencil cases, or the writings of obscure metaphysical poets.
Keep learning
We can make a useful contribution to the world. And we don’t have to do it on our own. The world is full of fascinating people. We should take every opportunity to listen and learn from them, and then we should share our learnings with everyone in the company.
Embrace intellectual humility
Recognize the limits of our knowledge and remain open to new ideas, perspectives, and changes. It’s not about having all the answers, but about being willing to explore, question, and learn.
Cultivate a mindset of abundance
Believe in the limitless possibilities and opportunities that collaboration, innovation, and creativity can bring. Approach challenges with optimism and the belief that there is more than enough success, ideas, and resources for everyone.
We keep our promises
No one tells anyone else what to do; everyone keeps their promises. Once we have accepted an engagement, we do whatever it takes to make it a success.